Sliced Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, Hasselback-Style Side Dish

The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, Hasselback-Style Side Dish

Move over, standard baked potato. There’s a new star in the side dish universe, and it’s taking dinner tables by storm. We’re talking about Sliced Baked Potatoes a magnificent, crispy, and visually stunning twist on a classic. Often referred to as “Hasselback Potatoes” after their Swedish origins from the Hasselbacken restaurant, these potatoes are not just food; they are an experience.

Imagine this: a russet potato, meticulously sliced into thin, accordion-like fans. Each slice crisps to a golden brown in the oven, while the interior remains impossibly fluffy and tender. Into those hot, crispy crevices, we melt sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkle smoky bacon, and scatter fresh chives. The result is a textural masterpiece: a combination of crackling edges, soft potato, and savory toppings in every single bite.

This article is your ultimate guide to mastering this impressive yet deceptively simple dish. We’ll explore why they work so well, provide a detailed ingredient list, walk you through the foolproof cooking method, and offer pro tips for absolute perfection. Get ready to create the most talked-about side dish of your next family dinner, holiday feast, or weeknight treat.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of the Slice

The magic of the sliced baked potato lies in its increased surface area. A traditional baked potato has one skin-on exterior. By creating dozens of thin slices, we expose vastly more potato to the direct heat of the oven. This leads to two simultaneous cooking processes:

1. Crispy Exterior: The edges of each slice and the top of the potato become wonderfully crispy and browned, much like the best roast potatoes or potato chips.
2. Tender Interior: The base of the potato and the areas between the slices, protected from direct heat, steam gently, cooking into a soft, fluffy texture reminiscent of a perfect baked potato.

This contrast is the hallmark of a great Hasselback potato. Adding fats like olive oil or butter into the slices not only enhances flavor but also conducts heat, promoting even more browning and crispiness. Finally, adding cheese and other toppings after the initial bake allows them to melt beautifully into the grooves without burning.

Ingredients for the Perfect Sliced Baked Potatoes

Choosing the right ingredients is key to elevating this dish from good to extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need for four generous servings:

The Potato Base:

• 4 large Russet Potatoes: (approx. 8-10 oz each). Russets are ideal for baking due to their starchy, fluffy texture and thick skin that gets crispy.
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Or melted unsalted butter. For browning and crispiness.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a deep, savory base flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• To taste, Salt and Black Pepper: Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste.

The Classic Topping Medley:

• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded from a block melts far better than pre-shredded cheese.
• 4 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled: For a salty, smoky crunch.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, finely chopped: For a fresh, oniony finish.
• ¼ cup Sour Cream: For serving on the side.

Optional Add-ins & Variations:

• Herbs: 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped, mixed with the oil.
• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the oil mixture.
• Italian: Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Truffle: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with parmesan after baking.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• A sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Two wooden spoons or chopsticks (the ultimate hack!)
• A large baking sheet
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (for easy cleanup)
• A pastry brush (helpful but not essential)
• A small bowl for mixing the oil and spices

The Foolproof Method: How to Make Sliced Baked Potatoes

Follow these steps for guaranteed, restaurant-quality results.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. Dry skin is crucial for crispiness.

Step 2: The Slicing Hack (No Mistakes!)
This is the step that intimidates most people: slicing thinly without cutting all the way through. Here’s the foolproof method:
Place a potato on your cutting board. Flank it on both long sides with a wooden spoon or chopstick. As you slice down into the potato, the spoons will act as a guard, stopping your knife from cutting all the way through the bottom. Make slices about ⅛ to ¼-inch apart along the entire length of the potato. Repeat with all potatoes.

Step 3: Season and Oil
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the sliced potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or a pastry brush to carefully get the seasoned oil in between the slices. Don’t be shy ensure every nook and cranny is coated. This is the secret to flavor and crispness.

Step 4: The First Bake
Bake the potatoes for about 45-55 minutes. The outside will become golden brown and crispy, and the inside will be tender when pierced with a fork. If the slices are fanning out, that’s a great sign!

Step 5: Add Toppings and Melt
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Carefully fan the slices open a bit more if needed.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, making sure to get it into the slices. Follow with the crumbled bacon.
Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer the sliced baked potatoes to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chives and a dollop of cool sour cream on the side. Serve immediately while they are hot, crispy, and glorious.

Pro Tips for Absolute Perfection:

• Even Cooking: Choose potatoes that are similar in size and shape for even cooking.
• Extra Crispy Skin: For an even crispier skin, you can rub the oil-and-spice mixture directly on the skin before baking.
• Butter vs. Oil: Butter provides incredible flavor, while oil gives a slightly crispier texture. Many chefs use a mix of both!
• Cheese Choice: For the best melt, always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
• Make it a Meal: While a fantastic side, you can easily turn this into a main course by topping with chili, pulled pork, or a fried egg.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Side Dish

Sliced baked potatoes are more than just a recipe; they are a simple technique that unlocks a world of flavor and texture. They prove that with a small twist, a humble ingredient can be transformed into something extraordinary. Impressive enough for a holiday table yet simple enough for a Tuesday night, this versatile dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

So, grab those russets, grab your wooden spoons, and get ready to bake. Your journey to crispy, cheesy, sliced potato perfection starts now.